David Rhodes is best known for his analysis and design of microwave components and filters. David’s major contributions to this branch of electronics has not been confined to academic aspects of the topic. It encompasses new theory for filters and multiplexers, the practical implementation of their design in waveguide and microstrip form and the engineering development of such components — including new techniques for their industrial manufacture. He has made major contributions to circuit analysis and synthesis and was the first to synthesise the effective and hence very efficient class of microwave elliptic filters. The contributions also include the development of specialised software packages needed for computer-aided design of systems involving high mechanical tolerances required for operations at frequencies up to 100 gigahertz. Whilst still holding a chair at the University of Leeds, David formed his own company which now takes a leading role in the manufacture of multiplexers and filters to an international market. Such devices are now extensively used in communication satellites and military systems.
Awards
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Royal Society Mullard Award
For his major contribution to microwave component design and realisation, leading to the establishment of Filtronic plc, an emerging global company providing employment, revenue and exports on a rapidly increasing scale achieved through the continuous application of highly innovative scientific and engineering methods.
